Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
State Park · Big Sur, California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park lies in the Santa Lucia Mountains along Highway 1 in Big Sur, in a redwood canyon cut by the Big Sur River. It is a forest park, not a beach: the ocean is out of sight from most of it. A large campground and the Big Sur Lodge - confirm - make it the most developed base on this stretch of coast. Short paths lead to Pfeiffer Falls - confirm the length and the water level - and along the Valley View Trail - confirm - with views down the canyon. In summer the river forms swimming holes - confirm - and winter can bring flooding and cold rain. Pfeiffer Beach, with its purple sand, is NOT in this park: it is a separate area reached by Sycamore Canyon Road, a narrow road south of here. Wildfire has hit this region, including the 2008 Basin Complex and the 2016 Soberanes fires - confirm - and there is little or no cell signal. It suits campers and hikers, and it is a poor pick for a quick beach stop.
47225 CA-1, Big Sur, California, 93920, United States
California State Parks has generally run Pfeiffer Big Sur as a day-use park from around morning until sunset, with the campground and the lodge on their own check-in times - confirm the current hours, the day-use fee and whether the entrance is staffed. Highway 1 through Big Sur can close for slides, storms or wildfire, sometimes for weeks, so a visit that works in summer may be impossible in winter. Trails can close after fire or flooding, and the river may be dangerous after heavy rain. Cell signal is poor or absent, so check State Parks and Caltrans road information before you leave a town with service, and expect little help on the way.
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